Skip to main content

Review: Marikit and the Ocean of Stars

By

Marikit and the Ocean of Stars
By Caris Avendaño Cruz
New York: Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, 2022. Fiction. 320 pgs.

Marikit and her mother have not truly celebrated anything since the loss of her father and brother to the sea three years ago, but as Marikit's tenth birthday approaches she wants to feel beautiful and special on her big day. She asks her mother for a new blue dress, but she is devastated to receive another hand-me-down. However, she soon discovers that not all is as it seems when it is revealed the Marikit's mother is a Diwata--a fairy--and the dress is a map to help Marikit on the journey she must take as a halfling through the magical world of the Engkantos in order to escape the sinister shadows now chasing her.

Marikit's journey will appeal to those interested in mythological stories for its rich discussions of Filipino folklore and fairy tales. Beyond the mythology, readers will also learn of Filipino foods, culture, and language. Each chapter is opened with a Filipino word, defined within the context of Marikit's story.  As she travels through the enchanted lands, Marikit learns the importance of family, friendship, and keeping promises, and she learns how to look past material wealth or beauty. A good choice to discuss how we are all "learning along the way."
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

An ABC of Flowers

By
An ABC of Flowers   by Jutta Hilpuesch New York, NY : Philomel Books, [2019] It turns out there really is a flower for every letter. This sweet book has a photograph of every flower and  a sweet cartoon illustration to go along with it. All your favorite flowers are here (forget-me-nots, mums, and sunflowers), along with some you probably haven't heard of before (billy ball, kalanchoe, xeranthemum?).  This is a perfect book for reading together, and readers of any age will enjoy every page. Don't miss this great springtime alphabet book. 
Post a Comment
Read more

From Story Time: The Letter "B"

By
From Monday Book Babies Bird, Balloon, Bear By Il Sung Na Alfred A. Knopf, 2017.  Picture Book. Bird is new to the forest, and he’s looking for a friend. Bear could use a friend, too. But Bird is too shy to introduce himself. Just as he musters the courage to say hello . . . it’s too late! Bear has already found a friend: a bright, shiny red balloon. Has Bird missed his chance?  From the acclaimed Il Sung Na comes a charming and beautifully illustrated story about courage, kindness, and friendship.  --Publisher From Monday Cuentos El primer día de un colegio Texto de Adam Rex Ilustraciones de Christian Robinson Traducción de Teresa Mlawer Editorial Corimbo, 2017.  Spanish Picture Book. Aquel verano, cuando terminaron de construir la escuela Frederick Douglass, el edificio comenzó a hacerse muchas preguntas: ¿Cuál será mi destino? ¿Quién vivirá entre mis paredes? ¿Para qué me utilizarán? Através de sus conversaciones con el conserje y t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Display: Out of this World Books Found Here

By
Hello By Aiko Ikegami Berkeley, CA: Creston Books, 2019. Picture book. In this wordless picture book, an alien visits Earth, makes friends with a little girl, and returns to his home planet to share his experiences. - Publisher We Are Definitely Human By X. Fang Toronto: Tundra Books, 2024. Picture book. When three mysterious visitors from "Europe" crash-land in Mr. Li's field, he does what any good host would: he invites them back to his farmhouse and offers to help fix up their "car". No, there's nothing strange about these guests at all. Just like other humans, they "make business", "play sportsball" and "wear hat". As the townsfolk also come to the aid of the visitors and the gathering turns into a little party, interplanetary relations reach an all-time high. - Publisher Greetings Floof! Written by C.J. Hong Illustrated by A.J. Smith Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2024. Picture book. Floof from planet Ploof has landed! And it...
Post a Comment
Read more